Kamalgad Fort / Kamalgad Killa

 Kamalgad Fort / Kamalgad Killa

• Location: 

Kamalgad Fort is situated in the backwater region of Dhom Dam in Wai Taluka of Satara district, Maharashtra.

• Height: 

Kamalgad Fort is located at an average height of about 4200 meters above sea level.

Routes to Visit Kamalgad Fort:

• Kamalgad Fort is approximately 120 kilometers from Pune.

• Kamalgad Fort is around 60 kilometers from the district headquarters of Satara.

• Kamalgad is about 29 kilometers from Wai.

• The nearest railway station is Satara.

• The nearest airport is Pune.

Nearby Access Points:

• Kamalgad Fort can be reached from Nandgan and Kondavali villages located in the backwater area of Dhom Dam in Wai Taluka.

• The route from Kondavali village is difficult, but the trek can be completed in less time. This trek usually takes around one and a half hours.

• The route from Nandgan village is easier, but it takes about two to two and a half hours of walking to reach the fort.

• The fort can also be accessed via Vasoli and Tupewadi routes. One can proceed towards the fort from the Gorakshanath Temple area in Vasoli village.

• Bus facilities are also available to reach these villages.

Places to See at Kamalgad Fort:

• After reaching Kondavali village, visitors can park their vehicles near the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple located outside the village and then proceed on foot towards Kamalgad Fort.

Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple:

• Siddheshwar is the village deity of Kondavali village, and this is a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev (Shiva).

Gorakshanath Temple:

While walking further ahead, one reaches the Gorakshanath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Gorakshanath of the Nath sect. The temple has a traditional tiled roof structure. Beautiful idols of Nath saints and other deities are installed inside the sanctum. This temple falls within the boundary of Vasoli village.

• The Gorakshanath Temple is also encountered while coming from Nandgan village.

Water Cistern:

Moving ahead from the temple परिसर, a natural spring can be seen. The water from this spring flows into the Katyal Kund and later falls into the stream below the cliff. This water cistern is seen while coming from the Nandgan route.

Sada Plateau and Refreshment Center:

The trails coming from both villages meet at the upper Sada Plateau area. Local villagers have started a small refreshment center here where snacks and drinking water are available.

Towards the Fort:

A direction sign is placed nearby from where one can proceed through the forest trail towards the fort. Since this area is covered with dense forest, it is advisable to visit with companions. Having a local guide along reduces the risk of losing the route. This path eventually reaches the ladder route leading to the fort.

Ladder Route:

After reaching the upper section of the fort, a tunnel-like passage between two rocks can be seen. It was formed naturally when the upper rocks joined together. Earlier, stone steps existed here, but they were destroyed over time. At present, an iron ladder has been installed at this spot.

Katyal Plateau:

Further above lies a vast laterite plateau. This area forms the Balekilla (citadel) of the fort.

Kavechi Well:

A little ahead stands a sword-shaped well known as Kavechi Well. A staircase leads down into the well. The soil inside is reddish in color, locally called “Geru” or “Kau,” which is why the well got its name. During the monsoon, water absorbed into the laterite rocks emerges here. There is also an underground cave inside the well. The water feels warm during the rainy season and cool during summer.

Water Tank:

Near the well, a square-shaped rock-cut water tank can be seen on the fort. Water collected in this tank flows into the well.

Mahadev Pindi:

On one side of the fort, a Mahadev Pindi carved into the rock can be seen. It appears similar to a memorial shrine.

Flag Post:

A flag post can be seen on one side of the fort, along with some remains of old construction nearby.

Fortification Walls:

No built fortification walls remain on the fort today. Since the fort is naturally protected by steep cliffs, climbing it is difficult. Due to the dense forests surrounding it, the fort was suitable for guerrilla warfare tactics.

Entrance Gate:

Currently, no entrance gate exists on the fort.

Bastion:

At one edge of the fort, a cliff resembling a bastion can be seen. Dense forest spreads below it.

Places Visible from the Fort:

From the fort, one can view Kenjalgad in the southwest direction, Raireshwar Plateau behind it, Koleshwar Plateau, Dhom Dam, the valley of the Valki River, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani. The Mahadev Temple at Dhom village, sanctified by the stay of Sage Dhom, can also be seen nearby.

• The samadhi of the famous Marathi poet Vaman Pandit is located in Bhom village.

Historical Information About Kamalgad Fort:

• There is no written evidence about who built this fort. However, this region was once under Hindu rule, especially under the Shilahara kings and the Satavahana dynasty.

• Later, the region came under the control of the Sultanate and Bahamani rulers.

• Afterwards, the fort and surrounding area came under Adilshahi rule.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought this fort into Swarajya around 1650–1660 CE.

• For some time, the fort remained under the control of Pilaji Gole.

• During the reign of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the fort continued to remain in Swarajya.

• The fort also remained under Maratha rule during the time of Shahu Maharaj.

• Until the establishment of British rule, the fort remained a part of the Maratha Empire, after which it came under British control.

• This fort was mainly built for surveillance and watchkeeping purposes. It also helped in the transportation of soldiers and supplies. Therefore, very little construction is visible on the fort today.

• After India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the fort came under the control of the Government of Independent India.

• Thus, Kamalgad Fort holds significant historical importance.